Bolger Ace Spot-On For Cheltenham

Enda Bolger reports Spot Thedifference to be firmly on course for yet another visit to Cheltenham and as buoyant as ever, despite recently celebrating his 14th birthday.

Winner of the inaugural Sporting Index Handicap Chase at the 2005 Festival and six of his eight starts on the Cheltenham cross-country course in all, the veteran has created a niche for himself in the esoteric discipline and created a huge following.

Both visits to Prestbury Park this season have been successful and Bolger has given Spot Thedifference a rest from racing since his last victory in early December.

'Spot is in good nick and we intend to go back to Cheltenham again,' said the Limerick trainer.

'We gave him a break, but he doesn't do breaks and he loves people so we've been taking him hunting and just messing around.

'The plan would be to find him a hurdle about three weeks before the Festival, I ran him at Navan a couple of years ago but we'll see what fits.'

Bolger, who has few peers in cross-country races, could also have two other JP McManus-owned runners, Heads Onthe Ground and Good Step.

They both have Cheltenham form too, but Bolger knows who he is siding with.

'You couldn't put people off the old fella,' he said.

'The only thing is that it is a handicap, and like last year when he was beaten by Native Jack, he will have to carry top weight.

'But when there's a circuit to go and he's going well, you know he'll be there. Everything's a bonus now, but he's so pleased with life at the moment and there are no plans for retirement just yet.'

? PA Sport